Family escapes house fire which left their South Shields home 'unlivable'

Emergency services were called to East Avenue, South Shields, on Monday, April 6 following reports of a fire.

Two crews from South Shields Community Fire Station were called to the blaze, which happened in the kitchen of the property, at around 7.45pm.

A spokeswoman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service confirmed to the Gazette that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire.

She said: “The kitchen was 100% smoke damaged. The remainder of the property was moderately damaged by smoke and there was light smoke damage to a neighbouring property.

“The residents had evacuated prior to our arrival - one was handed over to paramedics.”

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman added: “The fire has left the property unlivable and the occupants have been offered emergency accommodation at a hotel.”

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